Promises galore by Sukhbir Badal
Bathinda, January 13
Sukhbir Singh Badal, working president of the Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD), today listened to the problems being faced by residents of the town and made a commitment not only to remove these within a time frame but also announced that the Punjab government had sent a proposal to the human resource development ministry for setting up a central university here.

Vacant PCS posts to be filled through promotions
Ropar, January 13
With the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) declining its offer to recruit PCS officers, the Punjab government is now planning to fill vacant posts in the cadre through promotion.
Chief secretary, Punjab, Ramesh Inder Singh said today at Anandpur Sahib that the government would soon promote officers from BDO and tehsildar cadre to fill the posts of PCS officer.

Unfair Immigration Laws
Punjab-origin MP takes up case in Canada
Chandigarh, January 13
Gurbux Singh Malhi, a Canadian MP of Punjabi origin, has moved a motion in the House of Commons in Canada seeking an amendment to immigration laws in that country to prevent fraud in marriages.
Malhi said several cases have been reported in which young men and women from India got married to youth in Canada with the sole purpose of getting immigration.

Residents celebrate ‘Dhian di Lohri’
Nabha, January 13
Residents celebrated Lohri in a big way in the town. Main function took place in college ground.
Punjab Police ADG Shashikant was the chief guest of the "Dhian Di Lohri-2008" organised on the initiative of Paramjit Singh
Sahouli, national president, Youth Akali Dal 1920 and Lok Gayak Kala Manch president Amar Singh Amar and Punjab Rural Sports Council chairman Paramjit Singh
Khatra.

PSEB privatisation not soon: Kanwaljit
Patiala, January 13
Punjab cooperation minister Capt Kanwaljit Singh has ruled out the possibility of privatisation of the Punjab State Electricity Board in near future.

Toronto, January 13Canadian public safety minister Stockwell Day has criticised the Indo-Canadian supporters for resisting deportation of a failed refugee claimant Laibar Singh.

Community Lohri for girls
Chandigarh, January 13
While most people are celebrating Lohri to welcome their newly born sons, a substantial number of people are celebrating Lohri for their daughters.

State to act tough with non-users of Punjabi in offices
Sangrur, January 13
The state government is seriously considering making amendments in the Punjab State Language Act to ensure the use of Punjabi language in the government offices at all levels. It will also initiate harsh steps against non-users of Punjabi language in office work.

NABARD aid to check waterlogging in Malwa
Chandigarh, January 13
Hundreds of villages in Punjab’s Malwa region, which have lost productivity to waterlogging turning fields barren, may become fit for cultivation following the intervention by NABARD and other agencies.

Seminar on Indian diaspora
Chandigarh, January 13
The Centre for Research in Rural and Industrial Development here is organising a two-day academic conference on “Indian Diaspora : Migration and Development with Focus on the state of Punjab”.

Rs 1 cr ransom paid to get youth freed
Police wanted victim to lodge FIR of snatching
Jalandhar, January 13
Police officials reportedly forbade family members of a kidnapped youth to lodge FIR of abduction and persuaded them to get a case of snatching of valuables registered.